Interviews

Pre-election Q&A series: Shwan Mohammed Kalari, rapporteur of the KDP in the Iraqi Parliament

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and subsequent government-formation process.

Shwan Mohammed Kalari (right), rapporteur of the Kurdistan Democratic Party delegation to the federal Iraqi Parliament, stands with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (left). (Photo credit: office of Shwan Mohammed Kalari)

Aug 22, 2017

Q&A: Sherwan Zrar, Kurdistan voting commission spokesperson

Beyond the political debates swirling around the KRG independence referendum is a fundamental logistical question: are the resources in place to hold the vote as scheduled?

Jun 21, 2017

Q&A: Nasraddin Sayid Sindi, Kurdistan’s disputed territories chief

The chairman of the General Board of Kurdistan Areas outside the Kurdistan Region Administration discusses efforts to hold the referendum in areas outside formal KRG control, and expectations of Iraqi security forces afterward.

May 30, 2017

Q&A: Ahmad Anwar, head of the Kurdistan Integrity Commission

Kurdistan's financial crisis has provided an impetus for government reform, including overlapping efforts to fight low-level corruption.

May 24, 2017

Q&A: Peshmerga General Secretary Jabar Yawar

The leader running Kurdistan's Peshmerga Ministry discusses the next steps in fighting IS, the future status of disputed territories, and efforts to reform the Peshmerga.

May 24, 2017

Q&A: Falah Alamri, Director General of SOMO

Days before a major meeting among the world's largest oil producers, Iraq's export chief discusses depressed Kirkuk prices and a big plan for marketing Basra crude.

May 9, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Younis Salih

Iraq's top natural gas official outlines new plans, beyond the scope of Basra Gas Company, to capture associated gas and reduce flaring in southern Iraq.

Apr 25, 2017

Q&A: Sadi Ahmed Pira, PUK politburo member

Unresolved conflicts among Kurdistan's political parties still have the potential to hobble the campaign for an independence referendum.

Apr 19, 2017

Q&A: Kamal Taib Wartyi, head of the KRG Directorate of Taxation

To diversify its revenue streams, Kurdistan is making new efforts to collect taxes - including, potentially, from oil companies.

Apr 13, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Minister for National Security Affairs Akeel al-Saffar

A long-serving Iraq security official discusses the future of the al-Hashid al-Shabi program and outlines a proposal for providing security services to investors.

Apr 12, 2017

Q&A: Ihsan Ismaael, DG of South Gas Company

Iraq is set to increase gas product exports and reach agreements on gas with with IOCs operating southern oil fields, said Ismaael, who is also the chairman of Basra Gas Company.